OPERATION - Survey of the marine megafauna
Hélène and Anjara were the expedition’s two megafauna observers. Passionate about their work, which inspires many, they were in charge of surveying the species that we may cross paths with on our way to the Walters shoal, but also on site (birds and marine mammals principally, sharks, flying fish, and possibly even turtles). They were always working together, placed on the top deck as often as possible, when the weather allowed it, otherwise they headed inside to remain sheltered.
When the wind is too strong, above 25 Kt of wind speed, observations are stopped due to low visibility. Each of them is able to cover an angle of 100 degrees from the survey station. The goal is to have a cover of 180 degrees from the front of the boat.
The observations were first done at eyesight to have the largest field of view. Binoculars have been used on a second occasion to focus on a particular individual, and photos have been taken to constitute a photographic database when the individual was not too elusive.
Environmental parameters were also documented to characterize all of the conditions during the observations. The sampling effort was defined by the duration of the observation. The species observed during this time are identified and their behavior is characterized. Interactions with human activities were also documented (fish boat, cargo, waste…). All information was collected and stored in a database.
Two protocols were used, depending whether the boat was in transit or static on the Walters Shoal. In the first case, observations have been done from dawn until dusk without a break. This was done non-stop except for short breaks in the morning and for lunch! In a second case, to avoid multiple counts of species that stay around the boat, 15 min of observation per hour have been done. Outside of the protocol, opportunist observations have been documented.
A survey of the marine megafauna will provide an indicator of biodiversity for the Walters Shoal area.
After 19 jours on site, White-chinned petrel, Skua, White-winged albatross, Common dolphins, and some Sperm whales and whales count among observations on the Walters Shoal:
